So I need some advice on what camera to buy my wife. I'm thinking she really doesn't want a point and shoot because cell phones work good enough now. So I'm trying to find her something better. But she did say if we could find a camera that wasn't huge that would be better. Anybody got suggestions on what a good camera would be that won't break bank, I have no idea. I would like to keep it under 500.00 if can but I could go a little higher.

diamonddad

10-09-2012 11:50 AM

Are you shooting things that move fast? If so, you need to spend more money.

Does she want a DSLR or a "nice" P&S that takes better pics than a celly?

It's just a tool. DSLR = nicer, more complicated tool that can produce great results in the right hands. But there's still a lot of skill involved and it's totally possible to take crappy dslr pics.

jonblarc7

10-09-2012 12:27 PM

It would be used for things like wakeboarding and the cable and our little nephews. I was looking at some of the compact system cameras and that might work (just don't know how good they are.) I think she wants something she can take better pictures than our old 8 mega pixel P&S. I think shooting stuff out at 80 feet would be more for me.

jonblarc7

10-09-2012 12:38 PM

The more I think about she has always said if she the had a good camera she would really love to get into photography so I think a DSLR might be the way to go?????

jeff_mn

10-09-2012 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawndoggy
(Post 1788615)

Does she want a DSLR or a "nice" P&S that takes better pics than a celly?

It's just a tool. DSLR = nicer, more complicated tool that can produce great results in the right hands. But there's still a lot of skill involved and it's totally possible to take crappy dslr pics.

Confirmed :banghead:

shawndoggy

10-09-2012 1:38 PM

for something "not too big" you're either in 4/3 territory or a "superzoom". The panasonic lumix fz 200 is worth a look. I've gotten some really good shots and decent video out of its much lesser brethren the fz35. In theory I really want a dslr, then I think about lugging that beotch around everywhere....

diamonddad

10-10-2012 9:51 AM

I love owning a fine DSLR.

When I was searching for a GOOD camera, I learned a lot reading Ken Rockwell's thoughts...

But, I disagree with Ken that resolution does not matter since I often shoot things that move fast in unknown directions -- for this deep cropping can really help.

When I was looking 2 years ago, it came down to the Nikon D7000 and the Canon 60D. Both excellent bang/buck. No bad choice. So, I ended up chosing the 60D because it felt better in my hand. Its been an awesome camera. I got it with a single nice "all in one" or "goto" 18-200 lens. This setup can be found at Costco today for about $1300.

sandman59

10-10-2012 5:19 PM

I love my Nikon D5100, but you will spend alot more than $500 especially to get everything needed. As far as lugging it around, I got the backpack style camera bag and it works out great.

brettw

10-10-2012 6:58 PM

As mentioned above, in your price range for something better (and bigger) than a standard point in shoot, a good mega zoom camera is the Panasonic FZ35. I have it, and it works well and is a nice camera. It's gotten great reviews and is about $300 or less.

There are a lot of choices for DSLRs in all price ranges. I recently picked up the same camera as GD, that Canon 60d from Costco for $1250. It's a great camera that I'm still learning how to use. For something cheaper just google top or best entry level DSLRs and google reviews on any camera you find or think about getting.

We got a New point and Shoot Sony from cost co. Its was under $275. I must say you can't seem to take a crapy pic with this cam, and for that I love it, Fits in the cup holder of the boat or in the wifes purse and takes great pic's in a jiffy.
My wife is the worst picture taker and she has gotten quite good with this camera, I have been impressed with her new skill. Infact we had a few of her shots turned in to canvas photos that now hang in our house and they look professional. So I have to agree with the Pro's If you know what your doing the DSLR is the way to go. I bet if you had a modern Point and Shoot you can take most Still pictures just as good as a DSLR for 1/2 the price.